Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to better protect =
teens=20
from dangerous exposure to UV radiation by limiting their access to =
indoor=20
tanning facilities. The new law prohibits the use of indoor tanning =
devices by=20
children less than 17 years of age and requires teens between the ages =
of 17 and=20
18 to obtain parental consent.

"Exposure to UV radiation can be extremely harmful, particularly for =
younger=20
people, and this new law will help protect teenagers from the heightened =
risk of=20
skin cancer that can come from using indoor tanning devices," Governor =
Cuomo=20
said. "This legislation recognizes that many tanning salons are small =
businesses=20
facing economic challenges, however, protecting our children must always =
be our=20
first priority. I thank Senator Fuschillo and Assembly Member Weisenberg =
for=20
their hard work on this legislation."

Under previous law, individuals under 14 years of age were prohibited =
from=20
using UV radiation devices and individuals between 14 and 18 years of =
age were=20
required to present the signature of a parent or legal guardian. Under =
the=20
legislation signed by the Governor today, minors 16 years of age and =
younger=20
will be prohibited from using UV indoor tanning devices, and parental =
consent=20
will be required for those between the ages of 17 and 18. This law takes =
effect=20
in 30 days.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo said, =E2=80=9CResearch has shown that =
indoor UV tanning=20
can be potentially dangerous; it greatly increases the risk of =
developing skin=20
cancer and exposes skin to UV radiation that is far more intense than =
what the=20
sun produces. This new law will help protect children from something =
that can=20
cause them serious health problems later in life. I applaud Governor =
Cuomo for=20
signing it."

Assembly Member Harvey Weisenberg said, "Indoor tanning at an early =
age is,=20
unfortunately, one of those things that people live to regret. I thank =
the=20
Governor for taking this important step to prevent cancer."